Evolutionary aspect of Tarkashi

In Saharanpur, the main hub for artistic wood work, brass inlay was introduced by artisans visiting from Kashmir. Wooden articles were decorated using brass and copper wire, and sometimes ivory. Mainpuri was the other center for the craft.

 Here, it was patronized by the nawabs, and attained a high degree of sophistication. the designs were very intricate, and the detailed floral and geometric patterns were interspersed with dots called bhiriyan, which were hammered directly into the wood. 

Overtime, as Saharanpur has developed into a major center for woodcraft, many inlay artisans from Mainpuri have also migrated there.  Amongst early inlayed products were Khadaun, wooden slippers worn by Pious, Hindus, who considered leather to be unclean. Today the product range comprises articles like tea trolleys, tables, boxes and coasters. Inlay work is often seen in combination with wood carving, with products decorated with both craft forms.

Tools used in Tarkashi

During the process of Tarkashi, there are many tools used. Some of those tools are as follows:

• Metal cutting scissors- These are used to cut the brass or any other metal into thin strips to eventually use them in the inlaying process.

• Silli stone- This is used in sanding wood.

• Chisels, Files- These are used to engrave the brass or any other metal strips into the wood in a particular pattern. 

• Compass- These are used for making geometrical patterns in the wood. And to keep proper measurements. 

• Forceps- These are used in grasping and holding objects which are smaller in size.
  
  
  
  
• Planer- This is used for shaping wood using muscle power to force the cutting blade over the surface of a material. 

• Hand drill- This is used for boring holes in various materials or fastening various materials with the use of fastener. 

Tarkashi, wood inlay

Ever looked at a wooden item elegantly engraved with brass wire? Mostly designed with beautiful floral and geometric patterns? That's what Tarkashi is.

Tarkashi is a popular art form from Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh. It is defined as the technique of inlaying fine flattered wire of brass, copper or silver in wood. The work of tarkashi is mostly found in old palaces and mahals of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan.

 The art of tarkashi was highly developed in the Safavid era, during which artists created precious works including doors, windows, mirror frames, quran boxes, penholders etc.
Spreading the magic of their skill, these artists inlay brass in wood with complete perfection and with great precisison and detail.

The craft continues to spread the magic and elegance of the tarkashi work in the modern generation. Even in this generation, you'll find different variety of wooden item engraved with different creative designs.

The process of Tarkashi

Tarkashi means wire technique of inlaying fine flattered wire of brass, copper or silver in wood. The pattern inlaid are usually geometric form and floral from  Mughal art. Tarkashi work is done on hardwood. In this process, dark colored and sheesham wood is used. The high oil content of this wood allow the inlaid metal to be held securely.

The pattern, usually geometric forms of floral of Mughal inspiration, are drawn on the wood and then engraved with a half round chisel and hammer to a depth of 1 mm. Thin strips are cut from sheet metal, heated over a flame, cooled to remove the temper in the strip and straightened. The resultant metal strip is beaten into the previously created grooves with the hammer.

Small coiled dot like forms called Bhiriyan, an element unique to Tarkashi, are beaten directly into wood. After the surface is evened with the sander, or silli, fine sheesham. Sawdust mixed diluted adhesive is applied over the entire surface until all the gaps are filled. The object is then planned, sanded with the water base emerge paper and machine buffed to give it a smooth polish.

Metal inlay is a highly skilled process, the artisans transfer a design from a piece of paper onto a block onto a wood. He then caves deep, thin grooves along the trace. Fine wire of brass are placed in the groofs and hammered into position. The inlaid wire sits flush with the surface of a wood. Finishing is done by buffing, cared being taken not to heat the product as that wood dislodge the wire.   

History of Tarkashi

While beholding the elegant wooden frame, one cannot help but notice the inevitable Tarkashi work done on it. You might wonder how it all started. How it came into existence? Why did the craftsmen assembled? I'll tell you why.

Once upon a time, In the north western provinces of India, the rich and wealth were bored of the contemporary work done on the wood. They wanted something new and different. They wanted their doors and other wooden items to be ornate with the shine and royalty of silver and gold. The northern provinces had skilled craftsmen who were expert and had the dexterity to create the marvels in wood.

During the dawn of 16th century, the capital of Rajasthan, also known as the pink city, Jaipur; was being conceptualized. During that period, the beautification of the city was one of the priorities. Maharaja Jai singh II, due to his exceptional leadership skills, was enthroned the ruler of Amber. He invited the craftsmen from all over the country to aid the settlement with their skills.

Apart from the creation of Jantar Mantar and other beautiful buildings, he invited the craftsmen to fulfill the city's need. Among them were the artists of Tarkashi who migrated from Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh.  Right from elegantly carved and decorated with silver and later with brass wires, boxes to door panels, to treys and lamps, to tables, flower pots etc the artisans of Tarkashi have spread their magic of their skills through generations.